A TAVISTOCK police constable has been awarded Frontline Officer of the Year at the first ever Devon police officer awards. The inaugural awards of the year ceremony took place at Bickley Mill, Stoneycombe, with eight awards for 'inspirational levels of service and outstanding performance'. PC Colin Taylor, who is stationed at Tavistock, was nominated for his Frontline Officer of the Year award by Sgt Rupert Doidge. Sgt Doidge said PC Taylor deserved the award 'for his commitment to rural policing and enthusiasm to remain on the front line as a response officer'. 'He is a role model to all officers and a pleasure to work with,' he said. PC Taylor said: 'The award came as a surprise to me. It's great to have work recognised in this way. I didn't expect to receive such an accolade for doing what I considered to be part of the job, but it's very welcoming.' The commendation said that PC Taylor had served the communities of West Devon 'with distinction', and his enthusiasm for front line policing 'inspires and drives his colleagues'. It continues: 'Exceptional empathy, communication skills and knowledge enable PC Taylor to relate to people of all backgrounds. He is known for a level of service that is second to none and is often asked for by members of the public by name.' The commendation included two examples of his level of service: one where his persistence resulted in identifying a sexual offender and another where, while on a temporary deployment, he reduced workloads, enhanced response times and provided a first class service to the victims of crime in Tavistock.